The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) grew from 84 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in 2014 to over 19,200 Kendras by 2026, expanding access to low-cost generic medicines nationwide.
Scale and Targets
- Operational network: Approximately 19,467 Jan Aushadhi Kendras as of 30 April 2026.
- Expansion target: Government aim of 25,000 Kendras by March 2027, with focus on underserved and tribal areas.
- Beneficiaries: Over 15 lakh consumers use Jan Aushadhi Kendras daily.
- Financial impact: Estimated savings of ₹23,000 crore in out-of-pocket expenses in the last three years; cumulative savings reported above ₹40,000 crore.
Products and Services
- Product basket: 2,047 varieties of drugs and more than 300 surgical items listed for sale.
- Inclusions: Medicines, implants and selected medical devices are part of the offering.
Operational & Financial Measures
- Retail incentives: Proposal to raise retailer product margins up to 50% and extend credit periods to 75 days.
- Supply-chain improvements: Study (June 2026) recommended enhancements in logistics, infrastructure, amenities and financial support for Kendras.
- Facility support: Department of Pharmaceuticals facilitates opening Kendras using rent-free spaces in government hospitals and health centres.
Linked Industrial Programmes
- PLI investment: Pharmaceutical PLI attracted ₹42,694.89 crore; Medical Devices PLI attracted ₹1,136.23 crore (since 2020-21).
- Bulk Drug Parks: Being set up in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh to strengthen domestic API manufacturing.
- Medical Device Parks: Planned in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh under the Scheme for Promotion of Medical Device Parks.
- Biopharma SHAKTI: Allocated ₹10,000 crore over five years (2025-26 Budget) to support biopharmaceutical manufacturing and access to biologicals.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Implementing agency: Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals manages procurement and distribution for PMBJP.
- Legal/administrative: PMBJP operates through central procurement of generic medicines and distribution via Jan Aushadhi Kendras to reduce branded price differentials.